My name is Sheryl Dunn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I graduated from the esteemed Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. I have been licensed for 5 years however I have been in the mental health field for more than 12 years. I specialize in working with BIPOC and military communities to support individuals traditionally stigmatized when they decide to do something different about their suffering.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is about connection. I'll ask questions to get to know you, what you've been feeling lately and exploring when symptoms started or intensified. From there, I'll be able to gain a deeper understanding of your unique needs. The first session is also your opportunity to think about how we align and if I am a good fit for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Twelve years of being in the mental health field has taught me that I am at my best when I am myself. That is my strength as a provider. I allow myself to be a human being talking with another human being when in session. I will integrate my true personality and expertise in a professional manner. I'll do this so that you too can know that it is acceptable to be your natural self in any setting.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
As a BIPOC clinician I can conceptualize the isolation that comes when there is an absence of representation. As a daughter of veterans and the wife of an active duty service member I have experienced both the pride and pain that comes with military life. I intentionally make myself available to these two groups because of the stigma and inappropriate shaming that BIPOC and military service members/families have historically experienced. My clients are usually unsure of what is safe to say, what they may be judged for and how to navigate mental health care.
About Sheryl Dunn
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
So many have heard of CBT, I'll help you to understand CBT. Together we'll use CBT to recognize the complex relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they impact each other. From there we'll concentrate on breaking up with unhelpful thinking patterns which will help to manage those tough emotions more effectively.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is not commonly known but it is often an alternative to CBT when it's more difficult to be open to different perspectives. I'll teach you how to use action skills to manage intense emotions and cope with stressful situations.
Grief Therapy
Grief Therapy is about recognizing, rebuilding and readjusting to life after the loss of normalcy due to the loss of a loved one or even a significant life change. My approach to Grief Therapy isn't to push you to "get over" the loss rather to give you a stage to voice things that you may be cautious to share with others.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is my opportunity to help you conceptualize your readiness for change and your opportunity to take ownership of your treatment. I'll also provide psychoeducation with motivational interviewing because I've learned that when clients understand the rationale behind their treatment, they are more likely to adhere to it and achieve goals.
Strength-Based
Strength-Based approach is about using what you already have to achieve what you want. We'll use Strength-Based approach to emphasizes finding solutions and promoting growth, rather than solely addressing problems.